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Eduard F. Niga Photography for the love of the small world
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Snakefly collection

Snakeflies Order Raphidioptera

Long-necked predators with delicate wings and a distinctly prehistoric appearance.

Snakeflies are characterised by an elongated prothorax, mobile head and finely veined wings. This collection reveals their specialised anatomy, textures and subtle colour patterns through high-resolution macro photography.

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Phaeostigma notata female snakefly photographed by Eduard Florin Niga

Female Phaeostigma notata photographed in detailed macro view.

A closer look at Raphidioptera

An ancient predator built for precision.

Snakeflies combine a highly mobile head with an elongated neck-like thorax, giving them one of the most distinctive forms among insects.

Adults and larvae are predators, hunting small arthropods with speed and accuracy among bark, foliage and other sheltered surfaces.

Their transparent wings are crossed by intricate veins, while females often carry a long ovipositor used to place eggs in narrow crevices.

Under magnification, their eyes, mouthparts, wing structure and finely segmented bodies reveal a remarkable combination of agility and ancient design.

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1 published species in this collection.

1Published galleries
15Public photographs
15Available as prints

1 species